Foxtel applauds Government action to stem online piracy

Thank you To David Sims for sending me Media Release: Wednesday, July 30, 2014.

Represents a positive step in protecting the hard work of content creators and distributors

Foxtel today welcomed the arrival of the Government’s discussion paper outlining possible steps designed to protect the rights of content creators and distributors from online piracy. Foxtel is pleased at the Government’s recognition of the importance of the creative industries to the economy and society.

Richard Freudenstein, Foxtel Chief Executive Officer, said, “illegal downloading is not just an issue for businesses, it affects the livelihoods of actors, writers, directors, set designers, caterers and everyone else involved in the production of these programs. Foxtel acknowledges the comments in the discussion paper that everyone has a part to play in reducing the incidents of online piracy and we look forward to constructively engaging in the discussion of how to give effect to the principles that underpin the Government’s position.”
Foxtel believes the responsibility for combating illegal downloading doesn’t just stop with the government, it’s something that needs to be shouldered by everyone. Government should put in place a regulatory system that encourages legitimate use and discourages illegitimate use of content, while content owners need to make content available quickly and conveniently. ISP’s should also assist by mitigating, to the extent they can, use of their networks for unauthorised purposes. All parties have an obligation to ensure that consumers are educated about the implications of unauthorised use of content and how to get access to legitimate sources of content.

For its part, Foxtel goes to great lengths through its “Express from the US” effort to bring content to subscribers as soon as possible. Moreover, Foxtel has made a massive investment to maximise the number of ways in which people enjoy content by making it available on tablets, mobile phones and other popular devices, while offering flexible, no lock-in contract, subscription via its internet delivered service, Foxtel Play.
-Brad